WorldStrides Updates

5 Most Decadent Foods Across North America

Summertime in the U.S. means fresh produce, local farmer’s markets, and plenty of sunshine. As we gear up for an incredible season of fun, we can’t help but think of our favorite comfort foods that helped us make it through the winter. You know the ones—the ooey-gooey, indulgent, and extremely delicious dishes we just can’t say no to! Read on for a brief round-up of North America’s most decadent foods, from Canadian poutine to Mexican churros (and everything in between).

Poutine (Quebec)

We’ll start our adventure up north, where poutine reigns supreme. A popular dish in Quebec, Canada, poutine consists of french fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. Though it was originally mocked for being a greasy mess, poutine is now referred to as one of the national dishes of Canada. Plus, s’il vous plaît!

Cheesesteak (Philadelphia)

South of the Canadian-American border in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we come across the notorious Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled or sauteed onions on a soft roll, this is one dish you don’t want to miss! There are plenty of variations, including a chicken cheesesteak, mushroom cheesesteak, and even a pizza cheesesteak, but we recommend trying out the original if it’s your first foray into this cheesy Philadelphia goodness.

Deep Dish Pizza (Chicago)

Heading west to Illinois, we come head to head with the notorious Chicago-style deep dish pizza. No one knows who invented the dish, but we’re certainly not complaining—this extra-thick pizza pie is one of our favorite regional foods! Cooked in a special steel or cast iron pan for nearly half an hour (no quick slices here), deep dish pizza may look a bit odd at first, as the toppings and cheese are found underneath the chunky tomato sauce.

Biscuits and Gravy (American South)

Making our way to the southern region of the United States, we come across a delightfully decadent breakfast dish known as biscuits and gravy. Picture extra fluffy biscuits topped with a thick, peppered, meaty gravy made from sausage drippings, often served with a side of home fries—yes, please! This plate gained popularity after the Revolutionary War, when workers in the South needed a cheap, filling breakfast before heading to work in the fields.

Churros (Mexico)

Though churros likely originated in Spain or Portugal, the last stop on our culinary trip is in Mexico, where you can find several varieties of this fried treat. Made from a dough of flour, water, and salt, churros are often dusted with cinnamon sugar, filled with fruit paste, or stuffed with dulce de leche. Find them at street vendor carts, churrerias, or at your favorite local cafe.